Gonâve Island (Zile Lagonav) is an island off Haiti situated west of Port-au-Prince. It is a rugged and, as a substitute, lonely island with a stunning underwater panorama. It stretches for 60 kilometers in length and 15 kilometers in width, masking a total surface place of 743 square kilometers.
Gonâve Island evolved as a tourism infrastructure, which is why it is taken into consideration as a primeval marine landscape, also attracting tourists who recognize the pristine ecological scenery.
Name | Gonâve Island (Zile Lagonav) (French: Île de la Gonâve, also La Gonâve) |
Country | Haiti |
Department | Ouest |
Coordinates | 18°50′N 73°05′W |
Area | 689.62 km2 (266.26 sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC-5 |
Population | 87,077 |
Airport | Anse-à-Galets Airport |
The indigenous Taíno people at the start referred to the island as Guanabo and took into consideration that it was a sanctuary.
During the colonial period, Gonâve Island remained unsettled by the French or Spanish, preserving an uninhabited repute for a prolonged length. This led the indigenous Taíno humans to seek shelter there after early conflicts with the Spanish. Fleeing slaves throughout the French duration additionally sought refuge at the island from mainland masters.
Gonâve Island formally came under Haitian management in 1801 and became upheld via Toussaint Louverture through a constitution.
The island served as a base for pirates. In 1925, a North American soldier, Faustin Wirkus, declared himself king of the island, known as Faustino II, till he was expelled by the Haitian authorities in 1929.
Houses on Gonâve Island usually line the coast, extending approximately 1 kilometer. The streets are made from mud and stones, dividing the town into. These homes are in poor situation, constructed with bird droppings, many with palm leaf weavings. The flooring is earthen. Most homes lack lavatories.
It is a nonviolent and tranquil place characterized by a noble and respected populace. Theft or violence is uncommon. There are numerous church buildings within the city, which include Protestant and Catholic ones.
You can reach Gonâve Island from Port-au-Prince by ferry, wooden boat, or small aircraft, although the latter option may incur additional costs.
Gonâve Island is inhabited by a friendly community in which kids play and laugh while parents work diligently to provide for his or her households.
On Gonâve Island, you could enjoy fishing journeys on wooden boats, as local fishermen are keen to take you on adventures throughout the turbulent sea. You can also buy lobster, fish, and conch on the local marketplace.
Every Wednesday morning, villagers from all over Gonâve Island embark on walking or donkey to the "Marche" market.
Haiti remains one of the least evolved international locations, and Gonâve Island is no exception. Most villages lack electricity. In a few places, there are some hours of energy each day, supplying time for dinner, training, and sleep.
Local citizens use homemade charcoal made from bushes to cook dinner food, which can be a novel enjoyment for you.
If you opt for air travel, you will be treated to a sparkling view of the tropical sun reflecting off the vast sea, with the island's small towns and surrounding coral reefs offering an intriguing aerial perspective.